Ending the Myths about the New Law

The following article in the Massachusetts Lawyers Journal (2/2015) is by Lydia Edwards and Rebecca Pontikes:

In the 1970s, under the leadership of Melnea Cass, an African American woman civil rights leader, Massachusetts granted domestic workers the right to collectively bargain, eligibility for workers compensation, and the right to be paid the state minimum wage, and coverage by the state’s overtime laws.  In December 2010 the Massachusetts Coalition for Domestic Workers continued her work, starting the modern movement for domestic workers. 

On July 2, 2014, Massachusetts took a lead in inclusivity and civil rights.  General Laws c. 149, § 190 brought domestic workers “out of the shadows”, Demonstrating the need for this new law and its popularity, it passed in one legislative session with a unanimous Senate and bipartisan veto majority in the House.

Despite the popularity and passage with virtually no opposition, disparaging misconceptions and myths about the new law abound. The authors of this article aim to correct the myths and explain why employee advocates and the management bar should appreciate this new law.  

(Click here for the continued article. . .)